The U.S. military conducted a military drill over Caracas. The exercise marked the first operation in Venezuela since Nicolás Maduro was captured in January.
The United States military carried out a military exercise over Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, on Saturday. The drill became the first military operation conducted in the country since U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores during an operation on January 3.
The exercise once again brought the already high political and military tensions in the region into focus, while also creating anxiety among residents living in Caracas.
MV-22B Osprey Aircraft Landed in Caracas
As part of the exercise, two Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey military aircraft landed near the U.S. Embassy. In addition, U.S.-backed vessels reportedly entered Venezuelan territorial waters in the Caribbean Sea.
The Venezuelan government stated that the drill had been approved as an evacuation exercise designed for potential medical emergencies and disaster scenarios. However, many people in the country remain uneasy about the increasingly visible presence of the U.S. military.
Residents of Caracas Express Concern
Evelyn Rebolledo, a 57-year-old administrator living in the capital, told Reuters:
“This keeps us constantly on alert. Seeing a foreign country flying directly over the city is something new for us.”
Rebolledo added that, given the current political turmoil, U.S. military activities are creating serious uncertainty among the public.
U.S. Southern Command Chief Arrives in Caracas
Commander of the United States Southern Command, Francis Donovan, also traveled to Caracas aboard one of the Osprey aircraft and met with interim government officials.
In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy, officials said the administration of President Donald Trump remains committed to implementing its three-phase Venezuela plan.
The statement specifically emphasized the goal of “ensuring the stabilization of Venezuela.”
Maduro Operation Remains Controversial
The U.S. operation carried out on January 3, 2026, became one of the most controversial military interventions in Latin America in recent years.
According to Reuters, U.S. special forces entered Caracas, captured Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and transported them to the United States. Venezuelan authorities stated that at least 100 people were killed during the operation.
Following the operation, the U.S. administration announced that a political transition process would begin in Venezuela, while several countries — including Russia and China — described the intervention as a violation of international law.
Debate Over U.S.-Backed Interim Government
The Trump administration has backed the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president.
The new administration introduced economic reforms aimed at opening Venezuela’s oil and mining sectors to foreign investors. The move has drawn both support and sharp criticism within the country.
Opposition Leader Machado Signals Return
María Corina Machado addressed Venezuelan migrants during a rally in Panama City, saying she is preparing to return to her country.
During her speech, Machado stated:
“The moment when I will return to our country is getting closer. What is coming will be massive.”
The opposition movement views Machado as the legitimate winner of the disputed 2024 election, which Maduro was accused of rigging.
A New Geopolitical Era in Latin America
Analysts say the increasing visibility of the U.S. military in Venezuela could reshape the balance of power across Latin America.
In particular, the following issues are expected to dominate the regional agenda in the coming period:
- Expansion of the U.S. military presence,
- Restructuring of Venezuela’s energy sector,
- Regional political polarization, Reactions from China and Russia.
